How to oil your scalp and hair properly
Most people use far too much oil, put it in the wrong place, and then wonder why their hair looks greasy. Here is the short version that works on every texture.
Six steps
1. Warm the oil in your hands
Pour a teaspoon into your palm for a scalp treatment, or three to five drops for finishing. Rub your hands together for a few seconds. Warm oil spreads further, so you use less.
2. Section your hair
Split hair into four to six sections with a clip or your fingers. Working in sections is the difference between an even treatment and one greasy patch.
3. Massage the scalp
Press your fingertips into the scalp and move them in small circles for two to three minutes per section. This spreads the oil to the scalp, where dryness starts.
4. Smooth down the length
Take what is left on your hands and glide it from mid-length to the ends. Ends are the oldest, driest part of the hair, so they need the most.
5. Leave it to work
For a treatment, leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight under a cap or silk scarf. For shine and finishing, leave it in.
6. Wash it out if you treated
Shampoo as normal, then condition. If your hair still feels oily after one wash, use a little more shampoo at the scalp next time, not less oil.
How often should you oil your hair?
| Hair type | Scalp treatment | Finishing drops |
|---|---|---|
| Coily, 4A to 4C | Once or twice a week, plus before wash day | Daily or every other day on ends |
| Curly, 3A to 3C | Once a week before washing | Every one to two days |
| Wavy, 2A to 2C | Every one to two weeks | A drop or two on ends, most days |
| Straight, 1A to 1C | Every two weeks, scalp only | One drop on ends, sparingly |
| Locs and protective styles | Every one to two weeks at the scalp | On the scalp line and ends as needed |
| Relaxed or colour-treated | Once a week | Two to three drops on ends |
Three routines people actually keep up
The Sunday reset
Oil the scalp and length on Sunday evening, sleep in it under a silk scarf, wash it out Monday morning. It takes two minutes on Sunday and costs you nothing on Monday.
The pre-wash treatment
Apply oil 30 to 60 minutes before you wash. This is the highest-value way to use any oil, because you get the conditioning without any risk of a greasy finish.
The drop and go
Three drops warmed between your palms, run through the ends of dry, styled hair. This is for shine and to stop ends looking dusty and dry.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much product. Start smaller than you think you need. You can always add a drop, you cannot take one away.
- Only oiling the ends. A dry scalp is where a lot of tightness and flaking starts. Oil the scalp too.
- Oiling dirty hair. Oil on top of product build-up traps it against the scalp. Oil before washing, or on freshly washed hair.
- Sleeping on your best pillowcases. Oil marks cotton. Use an old case or a silk one.
- Expecting a medical result. SHAMISO is a cosmetic oil. It conditions hair and scalp. It does not treat hair loss, dandruff or any scalp condition. If you have one, see your GP.
Safety and patch testing
Cosmetic product, external use only. Avoid the eyes. Patch test on the inside of your elbow 24 hours before your first full use, especially if you have sensitive skin, eczema or a known nut allergy. Shea and coconut are tree-derived, and reactions are rare but real. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or having treatment for a scalp condition, check with your GP or pharmacist first.
Get the oil
One bottle goes a long way. Most people get six to eight scalp treatments from it.
Order SHAMISO